Russia will no longer be able to compete in FIFA soccer matches under its name as invasion of Ukraine continues

Author: LI COHEN / CBS NEWS
Published: Updated:
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Credit: Chabe01 / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

Amid the continuingĀ invasion of Ukraine, FIFA on Sunday announced new actions against Russia, including that the national team will no longer be allowed to compete under the name “Russia.”

Until further notice, international soccer’s governing body voted unanimously to ban all international competition on Russian territory. FIFA said that any “home” matches will be played on neutral territory and without spectators.

FIFA said that Russia must also now compete under the name Football Union of Russia, or RFU, rather than Russia, adding that neither the country’s flag nor anthem would be used during matches.

FIFA made the decision as an act of “solidarity” with Ukraine, where dozens of people have died, and numerous cities have come under fire since Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion into the country.

“Violence is never a solution, and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine,” the organization said in a statement. “FIFA calls again for the urgent restoration of peace and for constructive dialogue to commence immediately.”

FIFA said it would continue its dialogue with the International Olympic Committee and other sports organizations to determine any additional measures that will be taken. Russia could soon face total exclusion from competitions “should the situation not be improving rapidly,” FIFA said.

FIFA, however, chose not to ban Russia from the World Cup qualifiers after teams Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden said they would refuse to play against the Russian team.

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